A Word of the Year (WOTY) has been my annual fling with optimism. It’s my way of tying a metaphorical balloon to my tent of goals, hoping it doesn’t drift off while I’m busy untangling earphones.

Past words like ‘Dare’ and ‘Believe’ have served me well—prodding, poking, and occasionally tripping me into action. This year’s word, however, comes with walking (I wanted to say ‘running’) shoes and a firm handshake. My WOTY for 2025 is ‘Stride’.

But Why?

Because life isn’t a sprint. That alone is good enough. Ask any entrepreneur. Your progress is as good as mer next stride.

Stride feels right. Purposeful. Measured. It’s the Goldilocks of movement—neither too fast nor too slow.

Stride, to me, suggests progress without panic. It’s walking into a room like you belong there, even if you’re mentally rehearsing your introduction. It’s moving ahead, step by step, with just enough confidence to take the next stride!

Lessons from Last Year

In 2024, my WOTY was ‘Believe‘. And believe, I did. Frankly, I couldnt have made it through the year without it. I believed when optimism felt like an economy seat in an airline that charges extra for a stale sandwich—cramped and uncomfortable. I believed, and sometimes, things actually worked out.

But belief works best with motion. Otherwise, it’s just hope in a yoga pose. Hence, ‘Stride’.

Stride Means Moving (Even When It’s Awkward)

Stride is about:

• Showing up, even when the mirror suggests sweatpants.
• Taking the stage, even when I feel my voice is wobbly.
• Keeping pace, even when the road ahead feels like a labyrinthine maze.

Stride is a reminder that confidence isn’t a pre-requisite—it’s often a by-product. The act of moving forward builds it. One step at a time.

Stride also suggests dressing the part. Not just in tailored blazers, but in chiseling a mindset. It’s about carrying myself like someone who belongs in the big leagues, even if my inner voice occasionally snorts. It’s asking, “What’s the next step?” rather than “What’s the worst that could happen?”. It’s rarely as bad as imagined.

Striding into 2025

As I take these strides, I know it won’t be a solo effort. The world has a funny way of turning eyebrow-raising surprises into head-nodding support when it sees genuine effort. And I’ll need plenty of that. Striding into bigger challenges and broader horizons isn’t going to be possible without the encouragement, belief, and occasional push from those around me. So, here’s to striding together—one deliberate step at a time.

This year, I plan to stride into rooms I’ve avoided. Conversations I’ve postponed. And challenges that look suspiciously like hurdles but might just be stepping stones if I’m willing to move closer.

Stride isn’t about theatrics. It’s about steady, deliberate steps. The kind that leave footprints worth following.

What About You?

What word will you walk—or stride—into the new year with? Pick one. Give it some teeth. And then, take the first step.

As for me, my shoes are laced. Ready to take the next stride. And one more from there on. One stride at a time.

Happy New Year!